Liquid fabric softener composition

Abstract

To provide a liquid fabric softener composition having a superior re-soiling prevention effect and exhibiting high stability.SOLUTION: A liquid fabric softener composition comprises the following (A) to (C) Components: (A) Component: a cationic softening substrate comprising a long-chain tertiary amine and a salt thereof, or a long-chain quaternary ammonium salt; (B) Component: a water-soluble polymer having at least one unit selected from the group consisting of an alkylene terephthalate unit and an alkylene isophthalate unit, and having a (poly)oxyalkylene unit; and (C) Component: a nonionic surfactant. The liquid fabric softener composition has a mass content of the component (A) of 7 to 16 mass% relative to the total mass of the liquid fabric softener composition, the mass ratio represented by (B) Component / (A) Component is 0.01 to 0.5, and the mass ratio represented by (B) Component / (C) Component is 0.005 to 5.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid fabric softener composition.

Background Art

[0002] A major problem in washing is to thoroughly remove dirt attached to clothes. For this purpose, it is important not only to improve detergency but also to prevent recontamination in which dirt attached to fiber products falls off with the cleaning liquid and adheres to other fiber products. As methods for preventing recontamination, for example, a technique of using a polyester-based polymer compound and a polyether-modified silicone in combination (Patent Document 1) and a technique of using a cationic polyester-based polymer compound and a softening base material in combination (Patent Document 2) are known. However, with these techniques, sufficient performance may not be obtained, or the storage stability as a softening agent may not be sufficient.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a liquid fabric softener composition excellent in anti-recontamination effect and stability. As a result of intensive studies to achieve the above object, the present inventor has found that by using a tertiary amine or a quaternary ammonium salt, a terephthalate-polyoxyethylene copolymer polymer, and a nonionic surfactant in a specific ratio in combination, the storage stability as a softening agent is excellent, and the recontamination of cotton cloth and chemical fiber-based fibers (especially polyester cloth) is improved.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The present invention has the following aspects. (1) Component (A): A cationic softening base material composed of a long-chain tertiary amine and its salt, or a long-chain quaternary ammonium salt, Component (B): A water-soluble polymer having at least one unit selected from the group consisting of alkylene terephthalate units and alkylene isophthalate units, and (poly)oxyalkylene units, Component (C): A nonionic surfactant, and contains the mass of Component (A) is 7 to 16% by mass based on the total mass of the liquid softening agent composition, the mass ratio represented by Component (B) / Component (A) is 0.01 or more and 0.5 or less, The liquid softening agent composition according to claim 1, wherein the mass ratio represented by Component (B) / Component (C) is 0.005 or more and 5 or less. (2) Component (C) is at least one selected from glycerin fatty acid esters, sorbitan fatty acid esters, pentaerythritol fatty acid esters, and alcohol ethoxylates, the mass of Component (C) is 0.1 to 7% by mass based on the total mass of the liquid softening agent composition is a liquid softening agent composition

Effects of the Invention

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a liquid softening agent composition having excellent storage stability and further improved re-staining properties of cotton cloth and polyester cloth.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0007] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail. The liquid softening agent composition of the present invention contains Component (A): A cationic softening base material composed of a long-chain tertiary amine and its salt, or a long-chain quaternary ammonium salt, Component (B): A water-soluble polymer having at least one unit selected from the group consisting of alkylene terephthalate units and alkylene isophthalate units, and (poly)oxyalkylene units, Component (C): A nonionic surfactant, The mass of component (A) is 7 to 16% by mass based on the total mass of the liquid softening agent composition, the mass ratio represented by component (B) / component (A) is 0.01 or more and 0.5 or less, and the mass ratio represented by component (B) / component (C) is 0.005 or more and 5 or less. <Component (A)> Component (A) is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of an amine compound having 1 to 3 hydrocarbon groups having 10 to 26 carbon atoms (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "long-chain hydrocarbon groups" in this specification) which may be interrupted by an ester group and / or an amide group in the molecule, a salt thereof, and a quaternized product thereof. Component (A) is blended to impart flexibility to textile products and the like.

[0008] The carbon number of the long-chain hydrocarbon group is 10 to 26, preferably 17 to 26, and more preferably 19 to 24. When the carbon number is 10 or more, the flexibility is good, and when it is 26 or less, the handleability is good. The long-chain hydrocarbon group may be saturated or unsaturated. When the long-chain hydrocarbon group is unsaturated, the position of the double bond may be anywhere, but when there is one double bond, the position of the double bond is preferably at the center or around the center of the long-chain hydrocarbon group.

[0009] The long-chain hydrocarbon group may be a chain hydrocarbon group or a hydrocarbon group containing a ring in the structure, and is preferably a chain hydrocarbon group. The chain hydrocarbon group may be linear or branched. As the chain hydrocarbon group, an alkyl group or an alkenyl group is preferable, and an alkyl group is more preferable.

[0010] The long-chain hydrocarbon group may be interrupted by an ester group (-COO-) and / or an amide group (-NHCO-). That is, the long-chain hydrocarbon group may have at least one cleavage group selected from the group consisting of an ester group and an amide group in its carbon chain, and the carbon chain may be cleaved by the cleavage group. Having the cleavage group is preferable from the viewpoint of improving biodegradability and the like.

[0011] When having the cleavage group, the number of cleavage groups in one long-chain hydrocarbon group may be one or two or more. That is, the long-chain hydrocarbon group may be cleaved at one position by the cleavage group or may be cleaved at two or more positions. When having two or more cleavage groups, each cleavage group may be the same or different.

[0012] In addition, when having a cleavage group in the carbon chain, the carbon atoms of the cleavage group shall be counted as the carbon number of the long-chain hydrocarbon group. The long-chain hydrocarbon group is usually introduced by using industrially used tallow-derived unhydrogenated fatty acids, fatty acids obtained by hydrogenating or partially hydrogenating the unsaturated part, plant-derived unhydrogenated fatty acids or fatty acid esters such as palm coconut and oil coconut, or fatty acids or fatty acid esters obtained by hydrogenating or partially hydrogenating the unsaturated part. As the amine compound as the component (A) contained in the liquid softener composition produced by the production method of the present invention, a secondary amine compound or a tertiary amine compound is preferable, and a tertiary amine compound is more preferable.

[0013] More specifically, examples of the amine compound as the component (A) contained in the liquid softener composition produced by the production method of the present invention include compounds represented by the following general formula (A1).

[0014]

Chemical formula

[0015] [In the formula, R 1 ~R 3 are each independently a hydrocarbon group having 10 to 26 carbon atoms, -CH2CH(Y)OCOR 4 (Y is a hydrogen atom or CH3, and R 4 is a hydrocarbon group having 7 to 21 carbon atoms.), or -(CH2)nNHCOR 5 (n is 2 or 3, and R 5 is a hydrocarbon group having 7 to 21 carbon atoms.), a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, -CH2CH(Y)OH, or -(CH2)nNH2, and R1 ~R 3 At least one of them is a hydrocarbon group having 10 to 26 carbon atoms, -CH2CH(Y)OCOR 4 or -(CH2)nNHCOR 5 . In formula (A1), R 1 ~R 3 The number of carbon atoms of the hydrocarbon group having 10 to 26 carbon atoms in is preferably 17 to 26, more preferably 19 to 24. The hydrocarbon group may be saturated or unsaturated. The hydrocarbon group is preferably an alkyl group or an alkenyl group. -CH2CH(Y)OCOR 4 In, Y is a hydrogen atom or CH3, and a hydrogen atom is particularly preferred. R 4 is a hydrocarbon group having 7 to 21 carbon atoms, preferably a hydrocarbon group having 15 to 19 carbon atoms. When there are a plurality of R4 in the compound represented by formula (A1), the plurality of R 4 may be the same as each other or may be different from each other.

[0016] R 4 The hydrocarbon group of is a residue obtained by removing a carboxy group from a fatty acid (R 4 COOH) having 8 to 22 carbon atoms (fatty acid residue), and the fatty acid (R 4 from which is derived 4 COOH) may be a saturated fatty acid or an unsaturated fatty acid, and may be a straight-chain fatty acid or a branched fatty acid. Among them, saturated or unsaturated straight-chain fatty acids are preferred. In order to impart good water absorbency to the soft-treated clothing, the saturation / unsaturation ratio (mass ratio) of the fatty acid from which R 4 is derived is preferably 90 / 10 to 0 / 100, more preferably 80 / 20 to 0 / 100. When R 4 is an unsaturated fatty acid residue, there are cis and trans isomers, and the mass ratio of the cis isomer / trans isomer is preferably 40 / 60 to 100 / 0, particularly preferably 70 / 30 to 90 / 10.

[0017] R 4Specific examples of the fatty acids serving as the basis include stearic acid, palmitic acid, myristic acid, lauric acid, oleic acid, elaidic acid, linoleic acid, partially hydrogenated palm oil fatty acids (iodine value 10 to 60), partially hydrogenated beef tallow fatty acids (iodine value 10 to 60), and the like. Among them, it is preferable to use a fatty acid composition adjusted by combining two or more selected from stearic acid, palmitic acid, myristic acid, oleic acid, elaidic acid, and linoleic acid in predetermined amounts so as to satisfy the following conditions (a) to (c).

[0018] (a) The ratio (mass ratio) of saturated fatty acid / unsaturated fatty acid is 90 / 10 to 0 / 100, more preferably 80 / 20 to 0 / 100. (b) The ratio (mass ratio) of cis form / trans form is 40 / 60 to 100 / 0, more preferably 70 / 30 to 90 / 10. (c) The fatty acid having 18 carbon atoms is 60% by mass or more, preferably 80% by mass or more, the fatty acid having 20 carbon atoms is less than 2% by mass, and the fatty acids having 21 to 22 carbon atoms are less than 1% by mass.

[0019] -(CH2)nNHCOR 5 Among them, n is 2 or 3, and 3 is particularly preferred. R 5 is a hydrocarbon group having 7 to 21 carbon atoms, preferably 15 to 19 carbon atoms. When a plurality of R5 are present in the compound represented by the formula (A1), the plurality of R 5 may be the same as each other or may be different from each other. R 5 Examples of include R 4 the same as those.

[0020] R 1 ~R 3 Among them, at least one is a long-chain hydrocarbon group (a hydrocarbon group having 10 to 26 carbon atoms, -CH2CH(Y)OCOR 4 or -(CH2)nNHCOR 5 ). It is preferable that two of them are long-chain hydrocarbon groups. R 1 ~R 3When one or two of them are long-chain hydrocarbon groups, the remaining two or one are a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, -CH2CH(Y)OH, or -(CH2)nNH2, and it is preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, -CH2CH(Y)OH, or -(CH2)nNH2. Among these, as the alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, a methyl group or an ethyl group is preferable, and a methyl group is particularly preferable. Y in -CH2CH(Y)OH is the same as Y in -CH2CH(Y)OCOR4. n in -(CH2)nNH2 is the same as n in -(CH2)nNHCOR5.

[0021] Preferable examples of the compound represented by the general formula (A1) include compounds represented by the following general formulas (A1-1) to (A1-8).

[0022]

Chemical formula

[0023] [In the formula, R 7 and R 8 are each independently a hydrocarbon group having 10 to 26 carbon atoms. R 9 and R 10 are each independently a hydrocarbon group having 7 to 21 carbon atoms. ] R 7 and R 8 The hydrocarbon groups in are the same as those of the hydrocarbon groups having 10 to 26 carbon atoms in the above R 1 ~R 3 . R 9 , R 10 The hydrocarbon groups having 7 to 21 carbon atoms in are the same as those of the hydrocarbon groups having 7 to 21 carbon atoms in the above R 4 . When there are a plurality of R 9 in the formula, the plurality of R 9 may be the same as each other or may be different from each other. The component (A) in the softening agent composition produced by the production method of the present invention may be a salt of an amine compound.

[0024] The salt of the amine compound is obtained by neutralizing the amine compound with an acid. The acid used for neutralizing the amine compound may be an organic acid or an inorganic acid, and examples thereof include hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, and methyl sulfuric acid. The neutralization of the amine compound can be carried out by a known method. The quaternized product of the amine compound is obtained by reacting the amine compound with a quaternizing agent. Examples of the quaternizing agent used for quaternizing the amine compound include alkyl halides such as methyl chloride and dialkyl sulfates such as dimethyl sulfate. When these quaternizing agents are reacted with the amine compound, an alkyl group of the quaternizing agent is introduced into the nitrogen atom of the amine compound, and a salt of a quaternary ammonium ion and a halogen ion or a monoalkyl sulfate ion is formed. The alkyl group introduced by the quaternizing agent is preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, more preferably a methyl group or an ethyl group, and particularly preferably a methyl group. The quaternization of the amine compound can be carried out by a known method.

[0025] As the component (A) contained in the softening agent composition produced by the production method of the present invention, at least one selected from the group consisting of the compound represented by the general formula (A1), its salt, and its quaternized product is preferable, at least one selected from the group consisting of the general formulas (A1-1) to (A1-8), its salt, and its quaternized product is more preferable, and at least one selected from the group consisting of (A1-4) to (A1-6), its salt, and its quaternized product is even more preferable. For the compound represented by the formula (A1), its salt, and its quaternized product, commercially available ones may be used, or those produced by known methods may be used.

[0026] For example, the compound represented by the general formula (A1-2) (hereinafter referred to as "compound (A1-2)") and the compound represented by the general formula (A1-3) (hereinafter referred to as "compound (A1-3)") can be synthesized by a condensation reaction of the above fatty acid composition or a fatty acid methyl ester composition in which the fatty acids in the fatty acid composition are replaced with methyl esters of the fatty acids and methyldiethanolamine. At this time, from the viewpoint of improving flexibility, it is preferable to synthesize such that the abundance ratio represented by "compound (A1-2) / compound (A1-3)" is 99 / 1 to 50 / 50 by mass ratio. Furthermore, when using the quaternized product thereof, it is more preferable to use dimethyl sulfate as the quaternizing agent. At this time, from the viewpoint of flexibility, it is preferable to synthesize such that the abundance ratio represented by "quaternized product of compound (A1-2) / quaternized product of compound (A1-3)" is 99 / 1 to 50 / 50 by mass ratio.

[0027] The compound represented by the general formula (A1-4) (hereinafter referred to as "compound (A1-4)"), the compound represented by the general formula (A1-5) (hereinafter referred to as "compound (A1-5)"), and the compound represented by the general formula (A1-6) (hereinafter referred to as "compound (A1-6)") can be synthesized by a condensation reaction of the above fatty acid composition or fatty acid methyl ester composition and triethanolamine. At this time, from the viewpoint of flexibility, the content ratio of each component with respect to the total mass of compounds (A1-4), (A1-5), and (A1-6) is preferably 1 to 60% by mass for compound (A1-4), 5 to 98% by mass for compound (A1-5), and 0.1 to 40% by mass for compound (A1-6), and more preferably 30 to 60% by mass for compound (A1-4), 10 to 55% by mass for compound (A1-5), and 5 to 35% by mass for compound (A1-6). When using the quaternized product, it is more preferable to use dimethyl sulfate as the quaternizing agent in terms of allowing the quaternization reaction to proceed sufficiently. From the perspective of flexibility, the mass ratio of the quaternized products of compounds (A1-4), (A1-5), and (A1-6) is preferably such that the quaternized product of compound (A1-4) is 1 to 60% by mass, the quaternized product of compound (A1-5) is 5 to 98% by mass, and the quaternized product of compound (A1-6) is 0.1 to 40% by mass. More preferably, the quaternized product of compound (A1-4) is 30 to 60% by mass, the quaternized product of compound (A1-5) is 10 to 55% by mass, and the quaternized product of compound (A1-6) is 5 to 35% by mass. Also, when quaternizing compounds (A1-4), (A1-5), and (A1-6), generally, ester amines that have not been quaternized remain after the quaternization reaction. At that time, the ratio of "quaternized product / unquaternized ester amine" is preferably within the range of 70 / 30 to 99 / 1 by mass ratio.

[0028] The compound represented by the general formula (A1-7) (hereinafter referred to as "compound (A1-7)") and the compound represented by the general formula (A1-8) (hereinafter referred to as "compound (A1-8)") can be synthesized by a condensation reaction with N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-N-methyl-1,3-propanediamine synthesized by a known method described in J. Org. Chem., 26, 3409 (1960) from the above fatty acid composition, N-methylethanolamine, and an adduct of acrylonitrile. At that time, it is preferable to synthesize such that the mass ratio of the abundance ratio represented by "compound (A1-7) / compound (A1-8)" is 99 / 1 to 50 / 50. When using the quaternized product thereof, it is preferable to use methyl chloride as the quaternizing agent, and it is preferable to synthesize such that the mass ratio of the abundance ratio represented by "quaternized product of compound (A1-7) / quaternized product of compound (A1-8)" is 99 / 1 to 50 / 50.

[0029] In the fabric softener composition produced by the production method of the present invention, the blending amount of component (A) is 7 to 16% by mass, preferably 7 to 15% by mass, more preferably 9 to 12% by mass, based on the total mass of the fabric softener composition, from the viewpoints of softness, water absorbency, and re-staining of dirt. When the blending amount of component (A) is 7% by mass or more, a better softening effect can be obtained. When the blending amount of component (A) is 16% by mass or less, the water absorbency and the effect of suppressing re-staining of dirt are better. <Component (B)> Component (B) is a water-soluble polymer having at least one unit selected from the group consisting of alkylene terephthalate units and alkylene isophthalate units and (poly)oxyalkylene units. Component (B) is blended for suppressing the re-staining of oil stains on hydrophobic fibers (especially polyester fabrics) and imparting deodorizing properties.

[0030] In the present invention, "water-soluble" means that when 10 g of this polymer is added to 1000 g of water at a water temperature of 40 °C and stirred (200 rpm) for 12 hours with a stirrer (8 mm in thickness, 50 mm in length, 12 cm in diameter, 1 L beaker), it completely dissolves.

[0031] Among at least one unit selected from the group consisting of alkylene terephthalate units and alkylene isophthalate units (hereinafter, these are also collectively referred to as "b1 units") that constitute the water-soluble polymer of component (B), the alkylene terephthalate unit is a unit represented by the following general formula (B1).

[0032] [Chemical formula] JPEG2025091835000004.jpg2096

[0033] [R3 is a lower alkylene group.] The carbon number of R3 is 1 to 4, preferably 2 to 4.

[0034] Specific examples of the alkylene terephthalate unit include, for example, ethylene terephthalate unit, n-propylene terephthalate unit, isopropylene terephthalate unit, n-butylene terephthalate unit, isobutylene terephthalate unit, sec-butylene terephthalate unit, tert-butylene terephthalate unit, and the like. Among these, the isopropylene terephthalate unit is preferred.

[0035] That is, specifically, examples of R3 include ethylene, n-propylene, isopropylene, n-butylene, isobutylene, sec-butylene, and isopropylene is preferred.

[0036] As the b1 unit, a single type of alkylene terephthalate unit may be used alone, or a combination of multiple types of alkylene terephthalate units may be used.

[0037] Among the b1 units constituting the water-soluble polymer, the alkylene isophthalate unit is a unit represented by the following general formula (B2).

[0038]

Chemical formula

[0039] [R4 is a lower alkylene group.] The carbon number of R4 is 1 to 4, preferably 2 to 4.

[0040] Specific examples of the alkylene isophthalate unit include, for example, ethylene isophthalate unit, propylene isophthalate unit, n-butylene isophthalate unit, sec-butylene isophthalate unit, tert-butylene isophthalate unit, and the like. Among these, the propylene isophthalate unit is preferred.

[0041] That is, specific examples of R4 include ethylene, propylene, n-butylene, sec-butylene, and tert-butylene, with propylene being preferred.

[0042] As the b1 unit, a single type of alkylene isophthalate unit may be used alone, or a combination of multiple types of alkylene isophthalate units may be used.

[0043] The b1 unit can be a unit selected from the above alkylene terephthalate units and alkylene isophthalate units, used alone or in combination of two or more units. That is, the b1 unit may have only alkylene terephthalate units, only alkylene isophthalate units, or a mixture of alkylene terephthalate units and alkylene isophthalate units.

[0044] (The (poly)oxyalkylene unit (hereinafter also referred to as "b2 unit") constituting the water-soluble polymer of component (B) is a unit represented by the following general formula (B3). -(R5O)u- ···(B3) [R5 is a lower alkylene group, u represents the average repeating number of R5O, and is an integer from 1 to 100.] R5 has 1 to 4 carbon atoms, preferably 2 to 4 carbon atoms.

[0045] In formula (4), when u is 1, it is an oxyalkylene unit, and when u is 2 or more, it is a polyoxyalkylene unit. u is an integer from 1 to 100, preferably an integer from 1 to 80, and particularly preferably an integer from 1 to 50.

[0046] Specific examples of the b2 unit include oxyethylene units and polyoxyethylene units; oxypropylene units and polyoxypropylene units; polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene units, etc. Among these, oxyethylene units and polyoxyethylene units are preferred.

[0047] The b2 unit can use the unit selected from the above oxyalkylene unit and polyoxyalkylene unit alone or in combination of two or more units. That is, the b2 unit may have only an oxyalkylene unit, may have only a polyoxyalkylene unit, or may have a mixture of an oxyalkylene unit and a polyoxyalkylene unit.

[0048] Component (B) is preferably a polymer compound in which the above b1 unit and b2 unit are polymerized randomly or in blocks, and particularly preferably a polymer compound polymerized in blocks.

[0049] Component (B) may contain units other than the above b1 unit and b2 unit (for example, units derived from a polymerization initiator, a polymerization terminator, etc., and other copolymerizable units). In that case, the total of the b1 unit and the b2 unit is preferably 80 mol% or more, more preferably 90 mol% or more, of all the units constituting component (B).

[0050] Specific examples suitable as component (B) include compounds represented by the following general formula (B4) or the following general formula (B5).

[0051] [In the formula, A1 and B1 are each independently a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; R6 and R7 are each independently an alkylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms; x1 is 0 to 10, and y1 is each independently 1 to 100.] JPEG2025091835000008.jpg2196

[0052] [In the formula, A1 and B1 are each independently a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; R6 and R7 are each independently an alkylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms; x1 is 0 to 10, and y1 is each independently 1 to 100.] In formula (B4), A1 and B1 are each independently a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, preferably both methyl groups.

[0053] R6 and R7 are each independently an alkylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, preferably an alkylene group having 2 to 3 carbon atoms.

[0054] x1 is from 0 to 10, preferably from 0.5 to 5, and particularly preferably from 0.5 to 2.5. y1 is each independently from 1 to 100, preferably from 1 to 80, more preferably from 1 to 50, still more preferably from 10 to 50, and particularly preferably from 20 to 30.

[0055]

Chemical formula

[0056] [In the formula, A2 and B2 are each independently a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; R8 and R9 are each independently an alkylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms; x2 is from 0 to 10; y2 is each independently from 1 to 100.] In formula (B5), A2 and B2 are each independently a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, preferably both are methyl groups. R8 and R9 are each independently an alkylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, preferably an alkylene group having 2 to 3 carbon atoms.

[0057] x2 is from 0 to 10, preferably from 0.5 to 5, and particularly preferably from 0.5 to 2.5. y2 is each independently from 1 to 100, preferably from 1 to 80, more preferably from 11 to 50, still more preferably from 10 to 50, and particularly preferably from 20 to 30.

[0058] In formula (B4), the ratio of x1 to y1 is preferably such that x1:y1 is from 1:5 to 1:20, and more preferably from 1:8 to 1:18. Also, in formula (B5), the ratio of x2 to y2 is preferably such that x2:y2 is from 1:5 to 1:20, and more preferably from 1:8 to 1:18.

[0059] If the ratios of x1 to y1 and of x2 to y2 are within the above ranges, the soil release performance is fully exhibited and the solubility in water is improved.

[0060] (B) component preferably has a mass average molecular weight of 500 to 20,000. If the mass average molecular weight is within the above range, the dissolution and dispersion properties in water are improved, and the effect of improving the re-staining property of oil stains on hydrophobic fibers (especially polyester) is fully manifested. The lower limit value of the mass average molecular weight is more preferably 1,000, and particularly preferably 2,000. On the other hand, the upper limit value of the mass average molecular weight is more preferably 15,000, and particularly preferably 10,000. Therefore, the mass average molecular weight of (B) component is more preferably 1,000 to 15,000, and particularly preferably 2,000 to 10,000.

[0061] (B) component refers to the value obtained by converting the value measured by GPC (gel permeation chromatography) using THF (tetrahydrofuran) as a solvent by using PEG (polyethylene glycol) as a calibration curve.

[0062] (B) component can be easily obtained in the market. Also, it can be produced by the synthesis methods disclosed in literature etc., for example, the methods described in Journal of Polymer Science, Vol. 3, pages 609 - 630 (1948), Journal of Polymer Science, Vol. 8, pages 1 - 22 (1951), Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 61-218699, etc.

[0063] Specific examples of component (B) include commercially available components such as product name: TexCare SRN-100 (manufactured by Clariant Japan, mass average molecular weight: 2,000 - 3,000), product name: TexCare SRN-260 (manufactured by Clariant Japan, mass average molecular weight: 6,000 - 7,000), product name: TexCare SRN-300 (manufactured by Clariant Japan, mass average molecular weight: 6,500 - 7,500), product name: TexCare SRN-325 (manufactured by Clariant Japan, mass average molecular weight: 11,000 - 13,000), product name: Repel-O-Tex Crystal (manufactured by Rhodia, mass average molecular weight: undetermined), and product name: Repel-O-Tex QCL (manufactured by Rhodia, mass average molecular weight: undetermined). Among these, TexCare SRN-100, 260, and 325, which have high solubility in water and little decrease in washing performance after storage, are preferred, and SRN-100 and 260 are more preferred. For TexCare SRN-100, a 70% aqueous solution component commercially available under the product names TexCare SRN-170 and TexCare SRN-170C (manufactured by Clariant Japan) can also be used.

[0064] The content of component (B) is preferably 0.05 - 5% by mass, more preferably 0.1 - 2% by mass, and particularly preferably 0.2 - 1% by mass based on the total mass of the liquid detergent. If the content of component (B) is 0.05% by mass or more based on the total mass of the liquid softener composition, the effect of improving the re-soiling property of oil stains on hydrophobic fibers (especially polyester) is sufficiently exhibited. On the other hand, even if the content of component (B) is formulated at 5% by mass or more based on the total mass of the liquid softener composition, the effect reaches a plateau. <Component (C)> Component (C) is a nonionic surfactant. It is formulated to suppress the re-soiling of oil stains on cotton fibers, impart deodorizing properties, suppress liquid separation at low temperatures (improve separation stability), and further suppress thickening.

[0065] As the nonionic surfactant, components known in the field of liquid softeners can be used without particular limitation. Examples include those derived from polyhydric alcohols, higher alcohols, higher amines, or higher fatty acids. More specifically, glycerin fatty acid esters, sorbitan fatty acid esters, or pentaerythritol in which fatty acids having 10 to 22 carbon atoms are ester-bonded to glycerin, sorbitan, or pentaerythritol; polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers having an alkyl group or alkenyl group having 10 to 22 carbon atoms and an average addition mole number of ethylene oxide (EO) of 10 to 150 moles; polyoxyethylene fatty acid alkyl (where the alkyl has 1 to 3 carbon atoms) esters; polyoxyethylene alkylamines having an average addition mole number of EO of 10 to 100 moles; alkyl polyglucosides having an alkyl group or alkenyl group having 8 to 18 carbon atoms; hydrogenated castor oil having an average addition mole number of EO of 10 to 100 moles, etc. Among them, polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers having an alkyl group having 10 to 18 carbon atoms and an average addition mole number of EO of 10 to 150 moles (preferably 40 to 100 moles) are preferred.

[0066] Examples of the polyoxyethylene alkyl ether include those obtained by adding an average of 60 moles of EO to primary isotridecyl alcohol (having 13 carbon atoms), those obtained by adding an average of 40 moles of EO to lauryl alcohol (having 12 carbon atoms), those obtained by adding an average of 20 moles of EO to lauryl alcohol (having 12 carbon atoms), those obtained by adding an average of 100 moles of EO to lauryl alcohol (having 12 carbon atoms), etc.

[0067] The component (C) is a known substance and is easily available on the market or can be prepared.

[0068] The component (C) may be used alone or in combination of multiple types.

[0069] The content of component (C) is 0.1 to less than 7% by mass, preferably 1 to less than 6% by mass, more preferably 2 to 5% by mass or less, based on the total mass of the liquid softener composition. When the content of component (C) is 0.1% by mass or more, good viscosity stability can be obtained, and the effect of suppressing re-staining is improved. When it is less than 7% by mass, the separation stability of the liquid softener composition is improved.

[0070] Component (C) is considered to have a high performance of inhibiting the accumulation of dirt, especially on cotton fibers. The reason is presumably that not only the dirt dispersion effect of component (C) itself, but also component (C) can be adsorbed on the clothing by component (A), thereby improving the hydrophilicity of the clothing surface.

[0071] The mass ratio represented by component (B) / component (A) is preferably 0.01 or more and 0.5 or less, more preferably 0.02 or more and 0.3 or less, still more preferably 0.05 or more and 0.1 or less. If the mass ratio represented by component (B) / component (A) is within the above range, the effect of improving the re-stainability of oil stains on synthetic fiber-based fibers (especially polyester fabrics) and the effect of improving the separation stability of the liquid softener composition can be achieved well in balance.

[0072] The mass ratio represented by component (B) / component (C) is preferably 0.005 or more and 5 or less, more preferably 0.01 or more and 2 or less, still more preferably 0.1 or more and 0.5 or less. If the mass ratio represented by component (B) / component (C) is within the above range, the effect of improving the re-stainability of oil stains on both cotton fibers and synthetic fiber-based fibers (especially polyester fabrics) can be achieved well in balance, and the storage stability of the liquid softener composition is also improved. <Optional component> In the liquid softener composition of the present invention, optional components other than the essential components (A) to (C) above may be blended as necessary, as long as the effects of the present invention are not impaired. <Component (D)> Component (D) is a free fragrance. A free fragrance refers to a fragrance that is not encapsulated in a capsule.

[0073] (D) component is formulated to improve the residual fragrance of the liquid softener composition and impart fragrance to textile products.

[0074] As the (D) component, fragrance components commonly used as fragrances in the liquid softener field can be used without particular limitation. The (D) component can be appropriately selected according to the purpose.

[0075] The (D) component may be used alone or in combination of multiple types.

[0076] Specific examples of the (D) component include aldehydes, phenols, alcohols, ethers, esters, hydrocarbons, ketones, lactones, musks, fragrances having a terpene skeleton, natural fragrances, and animal-derived fragrances, etc. Specific examples of each fragrance are shown below. 〔Aldehydes〕 Undecylenic aldehyde, lauryl aldehyde, aldehyde C-12MNA, mirc aldehyde, α-amyl cinnamic aldehyde, cyclamen aldehyde, citral, citronellal, ethyl vanillin, heliotropin, anisaldehyde, hexyl cinnamic aldehyde, octanal, ligustral, lilial, lyral, triplal, vanillin, and helional, etc. 〔Phenols〕 Eugenol, isoeugenol, etc. 〔Alcohols〕 Citronellol, dihydro myrcenol, dihydro linalool, geraniol, linalool, nerol, sandalwood oil, santalex, terpineol, tetrahydro linalool, menthol, borneol, 1-decanal, bacdanol, and phenylethyl alcohol, etc. 〔Ethers〕 Cedramber, glycyrrhiza, methyl eugenol, and methyl isoeugenol, etc. 〔Esters〕 cis-3-Hexenyl acetate, cis-3-hexenyl propionate, cis-3-hexenyl salicylate, p-cresyl acetate, p-t-butylcyclohexyl acetate, amyl acetate, methyl dihydrojasmonate, amyl salicylate, benzyl salicylate, benzyl acetate, cedryl acetate, citronellyl acetate, decahydro-β-naphthyl acetate, dimethylbenzylcarbinyl acetate, erica propionate, ethyl acetoacetate, erica acetate, geranyl acetate, geranyl formate, hedione, linalyl acetate, β-phenylethyl acetate, hexyl salicylate, styrallyl acetate, terpinyl acetate, vetiveryl acetate, o-t-butylcyclohexyl acetate, manzanate, allyl heptanoate, etc. [Hydrocarbons] Limonene (especially, d-limonene), α-pinene, β-pinene, myrcene, camphene, terpinolene, etc. [Ketones] α-Ionone, β-ionone, methyl-β-naphthyl ketone, α-damascone, β-damascone, δ-damascone, damasconen, cis-jasmone, methyl ionone, allyl ionone, cashmeran, dihydrojasmon, isoeuper, beltfix, isolongifolanone, corebon, carvon, rose phenone, raspberry ketone, dynascon, maltol, etc. [Lactones] γ-Decalactone, γ-undecalactone, γ-nonalactone, γ-dodecalactone, coumarin, ambroxan, etc. [Musc] Cyclopentadecanolide, ethylene brassylate, galaxolide, musk ketone, tonalide, tonalid, nitro musks, etc. [Flavors with terpene skeletons] Geraniol, nerol, linalool, citral, citronellol, menthol, mint, citronellal, myrcene, α-pinene, β-pinene, limonene, terpineol, carvone, ionone (e.g., β-ionone), camphene, borneol, etc. 〔Natural fragrance〕 Essential oils such as orange oil, lemon oil, lime oil, petitgrain oil, yuzu oil, neroli oil, bergamot oil, lavender oil, lavandin oil, fir oil, anise oil, bay oil, bois de rose oil, ylang-ylang oil, citronella oil, geranium oil, peppermint oil, mint oil, spearmint oil, eucalyptus oil, lemongrass oil, patchouli oil, jasmine oil, rose oil, cider oil, vetiver oil, galbanum oil, oakmoss oil, pine oil, camphor oil, sandalwood oil, linalool oil, turpentine oil, clove oil, clove leaf oil, cassia oil, nutmeg oil, cananga oil, and thyme oil. 〔Animal-derived fragrance〕 Castoreum, civet, beaver, ambergris, etc.

[0077] (D) component is preferably a fragrance composition containing the above fragrance components (hereinafter also referred to as "free fragrance composition"). In particular, a fragrance composition containing fragrance components of aldehydes, ketones and hydrocarbons is preferred. Specific examples of this preferred fragrance composition include those containing one or more of the following fragrance components. 〔Aldehydes〕 Undecylenic aldehyde, lauryl aldehyde, aldehyde C-12MNA, mirc aldehyde, α-amyl cinnamic aldehyde, cyclamen aldehyde, citral, citronellal, heliotropin, anisaldehyde, α-hexyl cinnamic aldehyde, octanal, ligustral, lilial, lyral, triplal, vanillin, ethyl vanillin, helional 〔Ketones〕 α-Ionone, β-ionone, methyl-β-naphthyl ketone, α-damascone, β-damascone, δ-damascone, cis-jasmone, methyl ionone, allyl ionone, cashmeran, dihydrojasmone, isoeuper, vertfix, isolongifolanone, corebon, rose phenone, raspberry ketone, dynascone, maltol [Hydrocarbons] Limonene, α-pinene, β-pinene, myrcene, terpinolene When the free perfume composition contains aldehydes, ketones, and hydrocarbons as perfume ingredients, from the viewpoint of good freeze-thaw stability, the total mass of these perfume ingredients is preferably 10% by mass or more, more preferably 30% by mass or more, and particularly preferably 50% by mass or more based on the total mass of the perfume composition.

[0078] A perfume solvent may be blended in the free perfume composition. As the perfume solvent, those generally used in the liquid softener field can be used without particular limitation.

[0079] As solvents for fragrances, there are acetin (triacetin), MMB acetate (3-methoxy-3-methylbutyl acetate), sucrose diacetate hexaisobutyrate, ethylene glycol dibutyrate, hexylene glycol, dibutyl sebacate, methyl carbitol (diethylene glycol monomethyl ether), carbitol (diethylene glycol monoethyl ether), TEG (triethylene glycol), propylene glycol, diethyl phthalate, tripropylene glycol, avolin (dimethyl phthalate), dipropylene glycol (DPG), farnesene, dioctyl adipate, tributyrin (glyceryl tributanoate), hydrolite-5 (1,2-pentanediol), propylene glycol diacetate, cetyl acetate (hexadecyl acetate), ethyl abietate, avalin (methyl abietate), citrofleX A-2 (acetyltriethyl citrate), citrofleX A-4 (tributylacetyl citrate), citrofleX No.2 (triethyl citrate), citrofleX No.4 (tributyl citrate), duraflex (methyldihydroabietate), MITD (isotridecyl myristate), poly limonene (limonene polymer), 1,3-butylene glycol, and the like.

[0080] The content of the solvent for the fragrance composition is, for example, 0.1 to 30% by mass, preferably 1 to 20% by mass, based on the total mass of the free fragrance composition.

[0081] The free perfume composition may contain an antioxidant for perfume. As the antioxidant for perfume, those generally used in the field of liquid softeners can be used without particular limitation. Specific examples include 3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxytoluene (BHT), t-butyl-p-hydroxyanisole (BHA), p-methoxyphenol, β-naphthol, phenyl-α-naphthylamine, tetramethyldiaminodiphenylmethane, γ-oryzanol, vitamin E (α-tocopherol, β-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol, δ-tocopherol), 2,2’-ethylidenebis(4,6-di-t-butylphenol), tris(tetramethylhydroxypiperidinol)·1 / 3 citrate, bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl) sebacate, quercetin, 4,4’-bis(α,α-dimethylbenzyl)diphenylamine, etc. Preferably, it is 2,6-di-t-dibutyl-4-hydroxytoluene.

[0082] The content of the antioxidant is, for example, 0.001 to 10% by mass, preferably 0.01 to 5% by mass, based on the total mass of the free perfume composition.

[0083] The ClogP value of component (D) is preferably 2.0 to 5.0, more preferably 2.0 to 4.0, and still more preferably 2.4 to 3.6. When the ClogP value is 2.0 or more, the dispersion stability of the liquid softener composition is improved. When the ClogP value is 5.0 or less, the viscosity stability of the liquid softener composition is improved.

[0084] The ClogP value is a value representing the 1-octanol / water partition coefficient P (the ratio of the equilibrium concentrations in 1-octanol and water) of a compound in the form of logP to the base 10. The ClogP value can be determined by the f-value method (hydrophobic fragment constant method) by decomposing the chemical structure of the compound into its constituent elements and integrating the hydrophobic fragment constants · f-values of each fragment (see, for example, Clog 3 Reference Manual DaylightSoftware 4.34, Albert Leo, David Weininger, Version 1, March 1994).

[0085] When the (D) component is composed of a plurality of types of fragrance components, the average value (ClogP value) of each fragrance component is defined as the ClogP value of the (D) component.

[0086] The content of the (D) component is not particularly limited as long as the blending purpose can be achieved, but it is preferably 0.1 to 3% by mass, more preferably 0.5 to 1.5% by mass, based on the total mass of the liquid softener composition. When within the above content range, a more excellent blending effect can be obtained. <(E) component> The functional capsule base material of the (E) component contained in the softener composition of the present invention imparts functions to the fiber product treated with the liquid softener composition. It is formulated to improve the fragrance of the fiber product, enhance the persistence of the fragrance, or impart a fragrance-emitting effect due to friction during the use of the fiber product by using a perfume as the encapsulated base material.

[0087] The functional capsule base material is composed of a core substance and a wall substance covering the core substance.

[0088] The core substance contains a perfume composition. The perfume composition is not particularly limited and can be used as long as it is used in the field of liquid softener compositions, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. For example, essential oils, absolutes generally used in fabric softeners and detergents for clothing, as well as synthetic perfume components such as hydrocarbons, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, ethers, acetals, ketals, and nitriles, etc. can be mentioned.

[0089] Examples of preferred fragrance ingredients incorporated into the fragrance composition are described in JP-A-2010-520928, and include, for example, Agrumex, Aldron, Ambrettolide, Ambroxan, benzyl cinnamate, benzyl salicylate, Boisambrene, cedrol, cedryl acetate, Celestolide / Crysolide, Cetalox, citronellyl ethoxalate, Fixal, Fixolide, Galaxolide, Guaiacwood Acetate, cis-3-hexenyl salicylate, hexyl cinnamic aldehyde, hexyl salicylate, IsoE Super, linalyl benzoate, linalyl cinnamate, linalyl phenylacetate, Javanol, methyl cedryl ketone, Moskene, Musk, Musk Ketone, Musk Tibetine, MuskXylol, Myraldyl Acetate, nerolidyl acetate, Novalide, Okoumal, parachresyl caprylate, parachresyl phenylacetate, Phantolid, phenylethyl cinnamate, phenylethyl salicylate, Rose Crystals, Rosone, Sandela, tetradecanitrile, Thibetolide, Traseolide, Trimofix O, 2-methylpyrazine, phenyl ethyl propyl acetal aldehyde, acetophenone, alcohol C6 (hereinafter, the notation Cn includes all substances having n carbon atoms and one hydroxyl function), alcohol C8, aldehyde C6 (hereinafter, the notation Cn includes all isomers having n carbon atoms and one aldehyde function), aldehyde C7, aldehyde C8, aldehyde C9, nonenylic aldehyde, allyl amyl glycolate, allyl caproate, amyl butyrate, anisic aldehyde, benzaldehyde, benzyl acetate, benzyl acetone, benzyl alcohol, benzyl butyrate, benzyl formate, benzyl isovalerate, benzyl methyl ether, benzyl propionate, BergamylAcetate, Butyl Acetate, Camphor, 3-Methyl-5-propyl-2-cyclohexenone, Cinnamaldehyde, cis-3-Hexenol, cis-3-Hexenyl Acetate, cis-3-Hexenyl Formate, cis-3-Hexenyl Isobutyrate, cis-3-Hexenyl Propionate, cis-3-Hexenyl Tiglate, Citronellal, Citronellol, Citronellyl Nitrile, 2-Hydroxy-3-methyl-2-cyclopenten-1-one, Cuminaldehyde, Cyclal C, (Cyclohexyloxy)-2-propenyl Acetate, Damascenone, alpha-Damascone, beta-Damascone, Decahydro-beta-naphthyl Formate, Diethyl Malonate, Dihydro Jasmon, Dihydrolinalool, Dihydromyrcenol, Dihydroterpineol, Dimethyl Anthranilate, Dimethylbenzyl Carbinol, Dimethylbenzyl Vinyl Acetate, Dimethyloctenone, Dimetol, Dimyrcetol, Estragole, Ethyl Acetate, Ethyl Acetoacetate, Ethyl Benzoate, Ethyl Heptanoate, Ethyl Linalool, Ethyl Salicylate, 2-Methyl Ethyl Butyrate, Eucalyptol, Eugenol, Phenethyl Acetate, Phenethyl Alcohol, 4-Phenyl-2,4,6-trimethyl-1,3-dioxane, Methyl 2-Octynoate, 4-Isopropylcyclohexanol, 2-sec -Butylcyclohexanone, styrallyl acetate, geranyl nitrile, hexyl acetate, alpha-ionone, isoamyl acetate, isobutyl acetate, iso-cyclocitral, dihydroisojasmone, iso-menthone, iso-pentyrate, iso-pregol, cis-jasmone, levorotatory carboxylic acid, phenylacetaldehyde glyceryl acetal, 3-hexenyl methyl ether of carbinic acid, 1-methyl-cyclohex-1,3-diene, linalool, linalool oxide, 2-ethyl ethyl ester of pentanoic acid, 2,6-dimethyl-5-heptenal, menthol, mentone, methyl acetophenone, methyl amyl ketone, methyl benzoate, alpha-methyl cinnamaldehyde, methyl heptenone, methyl hexyl ketone, methyl para-cresol, methyl phenyl acetate, methyl salicylate, neral, nerol, 4-tert-pentyl-cyclohexanone, para-cresol, para-cresyl acetate, para-t-butyl cyclohexanone, para-tolualdehyde, phenylacetaldehyde, phenylethyl acetate, phenylethyl alcohol, phenylethyl butyrate, phenylethyl formate, phenylethyl isobutyrate, phenylethyl propionate , phenylethyl acetate, phenylpropyl aldehyde, tetrahydro-2,4-dimethyl-4-pentyl-furan, 4-methyl-2-(2-methyl-1-propenyl)tetrahydropyran, 5-methyl-3-heptanone oxime, styrallyl propionate, styrene, 4-methylphenylacetaldehyde, terpineol, terpinolene, tetrahydro-linalool, tetrahydro-myrsenol, trans-2-hexenal, benzyl acetate, Viridine and the like can be mentioned. The perfume composition may contain one kind of perfume ingredient or may contain two or more kinds of perfume ingredients.

[0090] As the wall material, those generally used as capsule materials for fragrances in the field of liquid softener compositions can be used without particular limitation. For example, the wall material is composed of a polymer material. Specifically, natural polymers such as gelatin and agar, oily film-forming substances such as fats and waxes, and synthetic polymer materials such as polyvinyl-based, polyacrylic acid-based, polymethacrylic acid-based, melamine-based, and urethane-based can be mentioned, and one of them can be used alone or two or more of them can be used in appropriate combination.

[0091] From the viewpoint of the fragrance-emitting property when the encapsulated fragrance is destroyed, the wall material is preferably an aminoplast polymer composed of a melamine-formaldehyde resin or a urea-formaldehyde resin, a polyacrylic acid-based or polymethacrylic acid-based polymer. An aminoplast polymer as described in JP-A-2010-520928 is particularly preferred. Specifically, it is preferably a terpolymer composed of a polyamine-derived moiety / an aromatic polyphenol-derived moiety / methylene units, dimethoxymethylene, and alkylene and alkyleneoxy moieties having dimethoxymethylene.

[0092] Component (E) is readily available on the market or can be synthesized by known methods. Component (E) may be used alone with one type of encapsulated fragrance or as a mixture composed of two or more types. The blending amount of component (E) (the blending amount as the amount of the fragrance in component (E)) is not particularly limited as long as the blending purpose can be achieved. However, as the amount of the fragrance, it is preferably 0.01 to 3% by mass, more preferably 0.05 to 2% by mass, and still more preferably 0.1 to 1% by mass with respect to the total mass of the liquid softener composition. When the blending amount of component (E) is 0.01% by mass or more, the fragrance is strong and better fragrance persistence can be obtained. When the blending amount of component (E) is 3% by mass or less, an overly strong fragrance is suppressed. <(F) component> For the purpose of controlling the viscosity of the liquid softener composition of the present invention, inorganic or organic water-soluble salts can be used as the component (F). Specifically, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, sodium chloride, sodium p-toluenesulfonate, sodium citrate, etc. can be used, among which calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, and sodium citrate are preferred. These water-soluble salts can be blended in an amount that does not impair the dispersibility of the functional capsule base material, and the blending amount is, for example, 0 to 0.5% by mass, preferably 0 to 0.3% by mass, more preferably 0 to 0.1% by mass based on the total mass of the liquid softener composition. The water-soluble salts can be blended at any step in the production of the liquid softener composition. Note that the viscosity of the liquid softener composition can be measured using a B-type viscometer (manufactured by TOKIMEC). As other optional components, components generally blended in the liquid softener composition can be mentioned. Specific examples include water, water-soluble structuring agents, silicones, dyes, water-soluble solvents, preservatives, ultraviolet absorbers, antibacterial agents, deodorants, and skin care components. Hereinafter, some optional components will be described in detail. <Water> The liquid softener composition produced by the production method of the present invention is preferably an aqueous composition containing water. As water, tap water, purified water, pure water, distilled water, ion-exchanged water, etc. can all be used. Among them, ion-exchanged water is preferred.

[0093] The blending amount of water is not particularly limited and can be appropriately blended to achieve the desired component composition. <Water-soluble structuring agent> The liquid softener composition of the present invention is preferably an aqueous composition containing a water-soluble structuring agent. Here, "water-soluble" means a solution in which 1 g of the target structuring agent is added to 1000 g of water at 25°C, stirred, and then allowed to stand at 25°C for 24 hours, and no precipitation or layer separation is observed in the appearance.

[0094] Specifically, high molecular weight dextrin (trade name: Sandex #30, manufactured by Sanwa Starch Co., Ltd.), branched glucan having a cyclic structure (described in JP-A-2012-120471), highly branched cyclic dextrin (trade name: Cluster Dextrin, manufactured by Glyc Nutrition Foods Co., Ltd.), Lupasol SK (manufactured by BASF), Lupasol PS (manufactured by BASF), Rheovis FRC (manufactured by BASF), Rheovis CDE (manufactured by BASF), etc. can be used.

[0095] In the liquid softener composition of the present invention, by blending 0.05% by mass or more of the component (D), the dispersibility of the functional capsule base material in the softener composition can be improved.

[0096] [Method for producing liquid softener composition] The method for producing the liquid softener composition of the present invention will be described. The production method of this embodiment is produced through the following four steps. Step 1: A step of preparing an oil phase at 50°C or higher in which oil-soluble components such as the component (A), the component (C), and the component (D) are mixed, and an aqueous phase at 50°C or higher in which water and water-soluble components such as a preservative are mixed. Step 2: A step of mixing a part of the oil phase and the aqueous phase prepared in Step 1 to form a liquid crystal, and the mixing ratio of the oil phase and the aqueous phase (mass ratio of aqueous phase / oil phase) is 0.8 to 1.2 times. Step 3: A step of adding and mixing the remaining aqueous phase to the liquid crystal prepared in Step 2 to form an emulsion, and the aqueous phase is 50 to 85% by mass based on the total amount of the liquid softener composition. Step 4: A step of adding and mixing the component (B), the component (E), and the component (F) to the emulsion prepared in Step 3.

[0097] <Step 1> Step 1 is a step of preparing an oil phase at 50°C or higher in which oil-soluble components such as the component (A), the component (C), and the component (D) are mixed, and an aqueous phase at 50°C or higher in which water and water-soluble components such as a preservative are mixed.

[0098] [Preparation of oil phase] The oil phase is a step of melting the component (A) by heating it to 50 °C or higher in advance and mixing it with the component (C) melted in the same way to form the oil phase. In addition to the components (A) and (C), an oil-soluble component may be added to the oil phase. Examples of this oil-soluble component include the component (D), silicone compounds, and the like. Also, the water and water-soluble components introduced from the raw materials can be converted into the oil phase.

[0099] [Preparation of aqueous phase] In the aqueous phase preparation step, an aqueous phase mainly composed of water is prepared. The aqueous phase is a step of heating water as the main component, adding water-soluble components (preservatives, pH adjusters, dispersants, etc.) as necessary, and heating to 50 °C or higher. The aqueous phase may be 100% by mass (all water), and the component (C) can also be added. The blending amount of the component (C) in the aqueous phase is not particularly limited, preferably 5% by mass or less, more preferably 0.1 - 4% by mass, and even more preferably 0.1 - 3% by mass. If the blending amount of the component (C) is below the preferred upper limit, the dispersion stability of the emulsion obtained in Step 2 will be better. If it is above the lower limit, it is effective as an emulsification aid for the oil-soluble components blended in the oil phase. Also, the oil-soluble components introduced from the raw materials can be converted into the aqueous phase.

[0100] <Step 2> Step 2 is a step of mixing a part of the oil phase and the aqueous phase prepared in Step 1 to form a liquid crystal, and the mixing ratio of the oil phase and the aqueous phase (mass ratio of aqueous phase / oil phase) is 0.8 - 1.2 times. In Step 2, a part of the oil phase and the aqueous phase (liquid crystal-forming water) obtained in Step 1 are mixed to form a liquid crystal. In the present invention, the liquid crystal-forming water means the amount of the aqueous phase used when forming the liquid crystal, and indicates the mass ratio of the blending amount of a part of the aqueous phase to the blending amount of the oil phase. From this mass ratio, the blending amount of a part of the aqueous phase and the blending amount of the remainder of the aqueous phase are determined. In this specification, the aqueous phase (liquid crystal-forming water) mixed in Step 2 is also referred to as the "first aqueous phase". In Step 2, the mass ratio represented by the first aqueous phase (liquid crystal-forming water) / oil phase is preferably in the range of 0.8 to 1.2, more preferably in the range of 0.9 to 1.15, and even more preferably in the range of 0.9 to 1.05 because fine emulsion particles are likely to form. When the liquid crystal-forming water ratio is less than the lower limit value, the particle size of the final emulsion becomes non-uniform and the stability deteriorates. Also, when it is above the upper limit value, the particle size becomes small and there is a risk of poor dispersion of (E) due to a reduction in viscosity. The temperature condition in the emulsification step of Step 2 is 50°C or higher, preferably 55°C or higher, and more preferably 58°C or higher. When the temperature is 50°C or lower, the viscosity of the final emulsion becomes low and there is a risk of poor dispersion of (E).

[0101] <Step 3> Step 3 is a step of adding the remaining aqueous phase to the liquid crystal prepared in Step 2 and mixing to form an emulsion, and is a step in which the aqueous phase is 50 to 85% by mass based on the total amount of the liquid softener composition. In this specification, the aqueous phase added and mixed in Step 3 is also referred to as the "second aqueous phase". The temperature of the aqueous phase in this step is 50°C or higher, preferably 55°C or higher, and more preferably 58°C or higher. When the temperature is 50°C or lower, the viscosity of the final emulsion becomes low and there is a risk of poor dispersion of the (E) component.

[0102] <Step 4> Step 4 is a step of adding and mixing the (B) component, (E) component, and (F) component to the emulsion adjusted in Step 3. In Step 4, various base materials can be blended in addition to the (B) component, (E) component, and (F) component. Examples include the (C) component, (D) component, dyes, water-soluble solvents, preservatives, ultraviolet absorbers, antibacterial agents, deodorants, and skin care components. The manufacturing steps of Steps 2 to 4 may be batch type or continuous type.

[0103] [Viscosity of Liquid Softener Composition] The viscosity of the liquid softener composition of the present invention is not particularly limited as long as its usability is not impaired, but the viscosity at 25°C is preferably less than 800 mPa·s. Considering the increase in viscosity over time during storage, the viscosity of the liquid softener composition immediately after production at 25°C is more preferably less than 500 mPa·s, and even more preferably less than 300 mPa·s. When within such a range, the usability such as the handleability during input into the washing machine is good. The viscosity can be measured using a BL-type rotational viscometer manufactured by Tokyo Keiki Co., Ltd.

[0104] [TI value] In order to suppress the poor dispersion of the (E) component, it is necessary to satisfy a high level of viscosity during standing. Therefore, the thixotropy index value (TI value) is measured to predict the poor dispersion of the (E) component. The TI value can be obtained according to the following formula.

[0105] TI value = viscosity of the liquid softener composition at 6 rpm / viscosity of the liquid softener composition at 60 rpm In the case of a Newtonian fluid such as water where the viscosity does not change even when the shear rate changes, the TI value = 1 for the above TI value. When the TI value is greater than 1, it indicates that the lower the shear force, the higher the viscosity compared to the case of a higher shear force, and it becomes a liquid having thixotropic properties.

[0106] In the liquid softener composition of the present invention, the range of the TI value showing thixotropic properties is preferably 1.5 or more, more preferably 2.0 to less than 5.0, and even more preferably 2.5 to 3.5. When the TI value is 1.5 or more, excellent thixotropic properties can be obtained, and the dispersion stability of the (E) component is further improved. On the other hand, when it exceeds 5.0, although the thixotropic properties increase and the dispersion stability of the (E) component becomes good, problems such as difficulty in taking out the composition into the cap during metering of the liquid softener composition may occur.

[0107] [pH of the liquid softener composition] Although the pH of the liquid softener composition of the present invention is not particularly limited, from the viewpoint of suppressing the hydrolysis of the ester group contained in the molecule of component (A) with the passage of storage days, it is preferable to adjust the pH at 25 °C to the range of 1 to 6, and more preferably to the range of 2 to 4. For pH adjustment, hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, alkyl sulfuric acid, benzoic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, citric acid, malic acid, succinic acid, lactic acid, glycolic acid, hydroxyethanediphosphonic acid, phytic acid, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, triethanolamine, diethanolamine, dimethylamine, N-methylethanolamine, N-methyldiethanolamine and other short-chain amine compounds, alkali metal hydroxides such as sodium hydroxide, alkali metal carbonates, and pH adjusters such as alkali metal silicates can be used.

Examples

[0108] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to Examples, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In the Examples, all component blending amounts are shown in mass% (except when specified, in terms of pure component).

[0109] [Component (A)] A-1: A cationic surfactant described in Example 4 of JP-A-2003-12471. A-1 is a composition containing a compound represented by general formulas (A1-4), (A1-5) and (A1-6) (in each formula, R9 is an alkyl group and alkenyl group having 15 to 17 carbon atoms) quaternized with dimethyl sulfate. (Molecular weight: 799) A-2: Lipocard 2HT (Molecular weight 567) (Manufactured by Lion Specialty Chemicals; bis(hydrogenated tallow)dimethylammonium chloride) A-3: Lipocard 2C (Molecular weight 448) (Manufactured by Lion Specialty Chemicals; dialkyl dimethylammonium chloride) A-4: Lipocard 210 (Molecular weight 362) (Manufactured by Lion Specialty Chemicals; didecyl dimethylammonium chloride) [Component (B)] B-1: SRN-260 (manufactured by Clariant Japan Ltd.; weight-average molecular weight 6200) B-2: SRN-170 (manufactured by Clariant Japan Ltd.; weight-average molecular weight 2700) B-3: SRN-325 (manufactured by Clariant Japan Ltd.; weight-average molecular weight 12000) * The weight-average molecular weight can be measured by gel permeation chromatography using a mixed solution of acetonitrile and water (phosphate buffer) as the developing solvent and polyethylene glycol as the standard substance.

[0110] [Component (C)] C-1: Polyoxyethylene (60) isotridecyl ether ("TA600" manufactured by Lion Chemical Co., Ltd.) C-2: Polyoxyethylene (100) lauryl ether (NOF Corporation "K-2100W)) C-3: Polyoxyethylene (30) lauryl ether ("EMALEC730" manufactured by Nippon Emulsion Co., Ltd.) C-4: Sorbitan monostearate ("LEODOL SP-S10V" manufactured by Kao Corporation) C-5: Pentaerythritol monostearate ("EXEPAL PE-MS" manufactured by Kao Corporation) C-6: Glyceryl monostearate ("LEODOL MS-50" manufactured by Kao Corporation) Common component: (D) The following perfume composition 1% by mass

[0111]

Table 1

[0112] (E) GreenBreeze (encapsulated perfume manufactured by Givaudan) 0.2% (F) Calcium chloride (manufactured by Tokuyama Corporation, product name: granular calcium chloride) 0.02% · [Water-soluble solvent] 95% synthetic ethanol (manufactured by Junsei Chemical) 2% · [Preservative] 1,2-Benzisothiazolin-3-one (Manufactured by Clariant Japan K.K. Trade name: Nipacide BIT20) 0.01% [Method for preparing liquid softener composition] A liquid softener composition having the composition shown in Table 1 was prepared. In Table 1, the unit of the numerical value of each component is mass% based on the total mass of the liquid softener composition. However, for component (E), it is the mass% of the encapsulated fragrance with respect to the total mass of the core substance of the liquid softener composition.

[0113] In Table 1, "B / A" indicates the mass ratio of component (B) to component (A).

[0114] The liquid softener composition was prepared by the following procedure using a glass container (inner diameter 100 mm, height 150 mm) and a stirrer (Agitator SJ type, manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation).

[0115] First, component (A), a part of component (C), and component (D) were mixed and stirred to obtain an oil-phase mixture.

[0116] On the other hand, the preservative was dissolved in ion-exchanged water for balance to obtain an aqueous-phase mixture. The mass of the ion-exchanged water for balance corresponded to the remainder obtained by subtracting the amount of the oil-phase mixture from 980 g.

[0117] Next, the oil-phase mixture heated to a temperature equal to or higher than the melting point of component (A) was placed in a glass container and stirred, and the aqueous-phase mixture heated to a temperature equal to or higher than the melting point of component (A) was added in two portions and stirred. The splitting ratio of the aqueous-phase mixture was 30:70 (mass ratio), and the stirring (rotation speed 1,000 rpm) was carried out for 3 minutes after the first addition of the aqueous-phase mixture and for 2 minutes after the second addition of the aqueous-phase mixture.

[0118] Thereafter, component (B), the remaining component (C), component (E), and component (F), and a water-soluble solvent were added, and ion-exchanged water was further added so that the total mass became 1,000 g to obtain the target liquid softener composition. Recontamination suppression effect

[0119] 1-1. Pretreatment Commercially available cotton knit (manufactured by Taniguchi Shoten) and polyester (PE) jersey fabric (manufactured by Taniguchi Shoten) were used as evaluation fabrics. The evaluation fabrics were subjected to the following pretreatment three times using a commercially available detergent "Top Platinum Clear" (manufactured by Lion Corporation) and a two-tank washing machine (Toshiba VH-30S). After drying, the fabric cut into 5×5 cm was used as the evaluation fabric. Pretreatment conditions

[0120] Two cycles of the standard amount of detergent used, a bath ratio of 30 times, washing with tap water at 45°C (for 10 minutes), followed by rinsing with running water (for 10 minutes). 1-2. Softening treatment Ten pieces each of cotton and PE evaluation fabrics were subjected to softening treatment in the following manner. After dehydration for 1 minute, they were dried at room temperature. Softening treatment conditions 1

[0121] To 10 evaluation fabrics to achieve a cotton:PE ratio of 7:3, charged cotton·PE fabric was added, and softening treatment was carried out for 3 minutes at 15°C tap water using a Terg-o-tometer (manufactured by UNITED STATES TESTING), 120 rpm, a bath ratio of 20 times (30 g of evaluation fabric, 600 ml of tap water), and the standard amount of softener used was 10 g / 1.5 kg of fabric. 1-3. Application of stain Of the 10 cotton·PE evaluation fabrics, 100 μL of a mixture of fats (cholesterol, cholesteryl oleate, triolein, oleic acid, squalene, carbon black) that would become stains was applied to 5 pieces and dried for 24 hours to prepare stained fabrics. The remaining 5 evaluation fabrics were used as evaluation fabrics for recontamination resistance. 1-4. Washing and softening treatment Five stained fabrics with stains applied and five white fabrics for evaluating recontamination resistance were subjected to washing treatment using a model detergent (16% polyoxyethylene (9) lauryl ether, 8% linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acid) in the following manner. Dehydration was carried out for 1 minute, followed by softening treatment in the following manner. After dehydration for 1 minute, they were dried at room temperature. After repeating 1-3 to 1-4 a total of 3 times, the evaluation fabrics were dried. Washing conditions

[0122] Cotton: 10 pieces of evaluation cloth were added with charged cotton cloth and PE cloth so that the PE ratio became 7:3. Washing was carried out at 15 °C tap water for 10 minutes (standard detergent usage: 20 g / 30 L) using a Terg-o-tometer (manufactured by UNITED STATES TESTING), at 120 rpm, with a liquor ratio of 20 times (30 g of evaluation cloth, 600 ml of tap water). Softening treatment condition 2

[0123] After washing and dehydration, the cloth was subjected to a softening treatment at 15 °C tap water for 3 minutes (standard softener usage: 10 g / 1.5 kg of cloth) using a Terg-o-tometer (manufactured by UNITED STATES TESTING), at 120 rpm, with a liquor ratio of 20 times (30 g of evaluation cloth, 600 ml of tap water). 1 - 5. Evaluation The degree of blackening of the white cloth for re-staining evaluation after the washing process was visually evaluated by 5 experts and scored. The average score was calculated, and according to the following criteria, a score of △ or above was considered qualified. <Visual evaluation> 4 points: Completely white 3 points: Slightly blackened 2 points: Considerably blackened 1 point: Obviously blackened <Judgment criteria> ◎◎: 4 points ◎: Greater than 3 points and less than 4 points 〇: Greater than 2 points and less than or equal to 3 points △: Greater than 1 point and less than or equal to 2 points ■: Evaluation of separation stability

[0124] 80 mL of the liquid softener composition was placed in a lightweight PS glass bottle (PS - No.11, manufactured by Tazawa Glass Industry Co., Ltd.) and sealed, which was used as the evaluation sample. The evaluation sample was stored at room temperature for 6 months. The stored evaluation sample was visually evaluated by 5 experts and scored. The average score was calculated, and according to the following criteria, a score of △ or above was considered qualified. <Visual evaluation> 4 points: No semi-transparent layer can be confirmed 3 points: Slightly semi-transparent layer can be confirmed 2 points: Considerably semi-transparent layer can be confirmed 1 point: Obviously semi-transparent layer can be confirmed <Evaluation Criteria> ◎◎: 4 points ◎: Greater than 3 points and less than 4 points 〇: Greater than 2 points and less than or equal to 3 points △: Greater than 1 point and less than 2 points ■: 1 point

[0125]

Table 2

[0126]

Table 3

Claims

1. Component (A): A cationic softening base material comprising a long-chain tertiary amine and its salt, or a long-chain quaternary ammonium salt, Component (B): A water-soluble polymer having at least one unit selected from the group consisting of alkylene terephthalate units and alkylene isophthalate units, and (poly)oxyalkylene units, Component (C): A nonionic surfactant, and containing, The mass of component (A) is 7 to 16% by mass based on the total mass of the liquid softening agent composition, The mass ratio represented by component (B) / (A) is 0.01 or more and 0.5 or less, A liquid softening agent composition in which the mass ratio represented by component (B) / (C) is 0.005 or more and 5 or less.

2. Component (C) is at least one selected from glycerin fatty acid esters, sorbitan fatty acid esters, pentaerythritol fatty acid esters, and alcohol ethoxylates, The liquid softening agent composition according to claim 1, wherein the mass of component (C) is 0.1 - 7% by mass based on the total mass of the liquid softening agent composition.

3. The mass average molecular weight of component (B) is 500 to 20,000, The mass of component (B) is 0.05 to 5% by mass based on the total mass of the liquid softening agent composition The liquid softening agent composition according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The liquid softening agent composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising component (D): a free fragrance.

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